Open / Second Chance of a Shotgun

[.~.T.e.a.k.~.]

Travis paced around the small ring nervously, popping his knuckles every few minutes. His horse, his rescue horse… was due to arrive any minute and he was nervous as h*ll. All he knew about the horse ‘Shots in the Dark’ was that he was a stocky grey 16 hand Mustang/x/Australian Stockhorse stallion who appeared to ‘suffer from depression’ and was withdrawn from people and didn’t enjoy life anymore. Travis had felt connected to the horse the moment he’d seen the photo on Amy’s laptop and he’d been angered to find that another person had originally wanted the stallion, then had felt relief when that person had backed out. Yes, he was very glad that he’d gotten the horse… he was certain that he could help the equine, and, likewise, perhaps the horse could help him.

He leaned against the rails of the ring and stared down the stable drive, wanting to see the trailer that would be bringing his horse, and, at the same time, dreading it for he wasn’t sure he wanted to find out just how withdrawn the horse was.

The vet technician wore a pair of older, well worn and faded jeans and a light brown button down t-shirt. His boots were faded and the leather was cracking in places, and a belt held the jeans on his hips. Surprisingly, an old, frayed baseball cap sat atop his head, shading his eyes from the afternoon sun and holding his longer dark hair out of his face.

Dark brown eyes glanced at the watch on his wrist and he cursed under his breath upon realizing that the person transporting his horse was nearly ten minutes late. No wonder he was a wreck… His habit of expecting the worse rose and he found himself wondering if there could have been a wreck or other problem… maybe the horse had grown ill… or a flat tire… Don’t… just don’t. He told himself mentally, stopping his train of thought and looking around, feeling a bit foolish for thinking the worse.

The twenty-two year old man sighed and tried to relax, but it was hard… he was, he admitted, looking forwards to getting this horse… Shot, as he was called. He was keyed up, Travis knew… wired, like a spring loaded shotgun. His eyes were bright with anticipation and there was a slight spring to his step that could be seen through his nervous exterior.

[!<~MIDDKINS~>!]

Dark!! Get you're painted butt back here! Eighteen year old Kc hollored as she stamped her way after the black and white paint stallion. He had her spurs in his mouth, and the lead rope was trailing behind him. Cursing under her breath, Kc saw what direction the paint stallion was heading, towards the pasture's.. the open feilds. Sighing, Kc shook her head, wishing that she had a second well broke horse to hop onto and go get the paint stallion, instead of having to go chase him down on foot. Sure, Dun It Like Rum was broke, but man, did she like to buck. Arched back, head down, like a full fledged bronco. Kc sighed as she thought about the mare, and shook her head.

Walking after the paint, Kc sighed again. Dark had stopped about thirty feet away, prancing in place, daring Kc to come closer to come and get him. Com' On boy. I really don't want to chase you. Kc said with a sigh as she stepped closer to the paint stallion. Squealing he bucked into the air a few times, twising around in a circle as he did. Still keeping a hold of the spurs in his mouth, he pranced his way closer to the small rings. Kc knew that they were for horses that had just arrived here.. or the ones that needed alot of work down with them. Sighing, Kc glanced at the paint again, who had stopped out side one of the small rings.. daring Kc once more to come closer to him, the blue, black, and green lead rope draging in the grass behind him. I'm going to get you Darkster. Kc said with a small huff, and followed the paitn into the corral.

Squealing, Dark bucked as he realized there was no way for him to get out of the pen. Tossing his head, he seen a human pacing back and forth. Dark.. Kc warned the paint as he trotted over to the human.. a male. Normally he didn't do that.. unless he was trying to get himself out of some type of trouble he was in. The paint stallion stopped near the guy and stretched his muzzle out to say hello, after dropping Kc's spurs in the sand packed dirt floor. Quickly grabbing her spurs, Kc snuck up behind Dark Intentions and grabbed a hold of his hatler and lead rope. She turned to the male. Sorry about that. He's a little nosey.. Kc said in an aplogetic tone, her brown air pulled into a pony tail. A tank top on, and a pair of faded, and ripped jeans for pants.

[.~.T.e.a.k.~.]

He’d managed to stop his restless pacing and now stood leaning against the panels of the ring, gazing down the direction of the stable drive as though he could think hard enough and the transport truck would appear. His hands shook slightly, belaying his nerves, and try as he might he couldn’t get the shaking to stop, though it was only a fine tremble, not enough to really notice unless one was looking specifically for it. He sighed and looked away from the drive, back towards the barn where his pony gelding was probably hanging over the stall door, wanting attention that wasn’t coming right now.

Travis glanced at his watch again and nearly growled in frustration as he saw that whoever was hauling his horse was now almost twenty minutes late. He thought he heard the rumble of a vehicle, but after a moment shook his head when it passed on… not turning down the drive. Every moment that went by…

The annoyed shout caused him to twist around, and he watched, curiously as his dark eyes sighted the Paint horse trotting his way. A small smile crossed his face as he noticed the spurs hanging out of the horses mouth and the way that the equine carried himself… clearly the horse was enjoying tormenting his owner, if the look of the young womans’ face as she grabbed the stallion was an indication.

Travis waited until she’s grabbed her spurs and the horses’ halter before moving slowly towards them, so as to not startle the big animal. He stretched a hand out for the horse to scent and laughed a little, amusement at the actions he’d just witnessed brightening his eyes. For a moment he forgot about his own worries. It’s alright, he wasn’t bothering me. I’m just waiting on a very late transport for a TAEA horse. The man said, his voice somewhat amused but more frustrated than anything, though it was evident that he wasn’t frustrated with her or the stallion, just the lateness of the transport.

He seems to be quite a… character. The vet technician said after another moment, turning his head away from the duo as he finally caught the sound of a large truck rumbling up the drive. ’Bout time, guy’s almost twenty-five minutes late! He mumbled to himself, turning completely to watch the transport vehicle coast slowly to a stop alongside the gate to the ring.

[!<~MIDDKINS~>!]

Dark was, like always, enjoying tourmenting his eighteen year old owner. Kc didn't mind if he took lead ropes, brushes, halters, tools, any thing like that and took off with it.. but her spurs. Now that was a different story. Kc didnt like any one wearing them, let alone taking off with them. And exspecially Dark. She had no way of catching the paint stallion, unless he some how managed to get himself stuck some how, or chased into a pen. A, because he was faster, and Kc couldn't keep up with him. And even if she could get on Rummy, the mare would buck and buck.. and Dark would be long gone by then.

Kc had a firm grip on Dark's halter, and her spurs in her pockets as the guy started towards them. Dark bobbed his head up and down, and shoved his nose towards the male walking towards them. Mind you're manners Dark. Kc warned the paint quietly again. And of course, he was always trying, or sticking his nose were it didn't belong. In front of snakes, raccoons, you pretty much name it.. and he's been bitten by it. Just the thought of it made Kc smile softly, Dark defintaly was a pain, but in the end, he normally wasn't all that bad. Dark blew quietly on Travis's hand, nostrils flaring.

Tossing his head, Dark's blue eyes watched him carefully. That's good. Normally he bothers everyone. Kc shook her head softly, and Dark Intention's lips found her bulging pockets.. which where of course filled with treats. Pushing his nose away, Kc slipped out a treat from her pocket and gave it to the stallion. Darkster eagerly took the treat, and cocked a hind leg as he stood chomping on it.. and spilling a lot of it over Kc's boots. Aparently he didn't like the treat Kc had put in her pocket for the day. That must stink. I hauled him here my self, so i wouldn't have that problem. Kc said with a soft shrug of her shoulder.

Oh yea, defintaly. She said with a nod of her head. Dark defintaly was, even though he was a stallion, he would rather be around humans.. Kc more of in particular. Hearing a truck and trailer coming up the drive, Dark's head shot up, ears pricked, icy blue eyes watching. The paint pranced in place, but calmed down after a few minutes. Yikes. That's late. What TAEA horse did you get? Kc asked the male infront of her paint, who had now turned to watch the truck and trailer slow to a stop.

[.~.T.e.a.k.~.]

Travis nodded, watching as the truck parked and the engine cut. He was more than annoyed with the driver. He ran a tanned hair through his dark hair and popped his knuckles nervously, his small smile not leaving his face. He was nervous and excited, and jittery, no, we couldn’t forget jittery. Very late… I’ve adopted a grey Mustang/x/Australian Stockhorse stallion called ‘Shot’, though I think I’m going to change his barn name to something better… his file said he seemed to suffer from depression. The second I saw his picture I knew that I had to have him, he reminded me of… myself, there was no way I couldn’t ignore the look in his eyes when I saw that picture. He suddenly realized that he didn’t even know the girls name, nor did she know his own, and could have slapped himself. I’m sorry, my name’s Travis. His dark eyes were apologetic, and a slight embarrassed look crossed his face for a moment.

The driver had finally gotten out of the transport truck and walked up to the small group. Travis took the clipboard he held out and quickly signed his name before, speaking in low tones, he told the driver off for being so late. At least the driver had the manners to apologize, though, and the vet technician let it slide on as the other man pulled the ramp of the trailer down before disappearing back around the side of the truck. Apparently Travis would be the one to unload his new horse… not that he was objecting any, he’d much rather unload ‘Shot’ himself instead of have someone else do it.

The Cajun eyed the grey stallion as he walked up into the trailer without hesitation. Shot met his gaze for a moment before turning his head and ignoring him. Travis wasn’t too surprised, having read the horses information until he’d memorized it, but it unnerved him slightly and he wondered why the horse had chosen to withdraw, instead of striking out like so many other abuse and neglect cases.

Easy buddy… He muttered, running a hand over the horses back and sides and watching for any response from the big animal. There was none, it was as though Shot was more than content to pretend he wasn’t there. Shot? He tried the horses name next, a frown crossing his face when there was still no response… usually, with any horse, their name would elicit some sort of reply… a pricked ear, a glance back… but there was nothing from this horse. The stallion just didn’t care.

Before Travis took the horse off the trailer, though, he needed to affirm that the other horse, and he wasn’t sure if ‘Dark’ was a stallion or a gelding, would be ok. He glanced at the girl after moving a little to the side of the trailer just in case the grey decided to lash out, which he really didn’t think he would. Is he a stallion? He questioned, pointing towards the Paint, Will he be ok with me bringing Shot out…? He questioned, his hands working to untie a long black lead from the side of the trailer so that he could clip it onto Shot’s halter.

[!<~MIDDKINS~>!]

Dark's black ears were pricked as the driver got out of the truck, and immediatly the paint tried walking forwards.Gripping a bit tighter on his halter and lead,Kc held him back. A unhappy snort came from the black and white stallion, but none the less, he settled back down to stand quietly, His tail swishing against his flanks at not being able to move forwards.. and the spring flys. Kc smiled as the boy talked, he seemed to really like horses. Shot.. does't really seem like a horse's name. Kc said with a soft laugh. Drepression?.. Interesting. Dark was kinda like that when i got him, but he was mean too. Kc shuddered at the thought. The paint hadn't been very nice when she had first got him. Quite mean actually. Nice to meet you Travis, I'm Kc, and this pain in the butt, is Dark.

A small smirk came on Kc's lips as the boy told the driver off. She probably would have really told him off.. exspecially if she had been waiting for over twenty-five minutes. Now that would have drove her insane. She didn't like reliying on other people or trailers to haul her two horses, exspecially Rummy. The paint mare hated pretty much any type of trailer, and would only go in for grain.. or if her boyfriend (Dark) was in there with her. Kc sighed softly as she thought about Rummy. The mare had an attitude.. bucking.. Kc was still trying to figure out how to get her to stop throwing trantrims.

Watching quietly, Kc and Dark stayed back as Travis walked up the ramp, and looked at the grey stallion inside. All the grey stallion did was turn his head to look over at Travis, then turn his head back around and ignore him. Usually a lot of horses were really hyper, and ready to get out of the trailer once it stopped, not just stand there. Yes he is a stallion, but he's fine with other stallions around him. Kc was glad that Travis had enough sense to ask if Dark was a stallion or gelding. The paint loved being lazy, and mellow, so Kc couldn't blame him if he thought Dark Intentions was a gelding. And being around other stallions didn't bother him one bit... unless they tried to hurt Kc.. and sometimes Rummy.

[.~.T.e.a.k.~.]

Travis’s thoughts had turned momentarily from the grey stallion he was about to lead out of the trailer to his grey pony gelding, Charlie. He was sure that the Welsh, who liked being involved in everything, was confused as to why no one had come to mess with him lately. The pony was probably annoyed, excited, and wired to go out just as Travis himself was wired about getting Shot… He shook his head at the thought, no… Shot was most definitely not a horses name. He was definitely going to change that… soon. He nodded to Kc. Alright, then I’m bringing him out.

What do you look like, buddy…? He questioned softly as he walked to the uninterested horses head and unsnapped the trailer-tie. The lead had a bull snap, and he attached it to the halter ring with no problems before coiling the long lead up and grasping it just below the snap. The grey stallion sighed and lowered his head some, ears flicked back in a relaxed position, but the horses eyes were dull, lifeless. He made no move to sniff Travis’s hand or arm, or even get acquainted with him. If anything, the grey looked as though he knew what was going to happen and was so used to it that it now made no difference to him whether or not he was left alone or messed with. The grey’s mane and tail were tangled, and his fur was dusty, but underneath Travis could see that he really was exceptional.

Poor thing, come on now. He said softly as he slowly led the big stallion down the ramp and towards the ring. Shot showed no sign of interest as he was led into the rind and when the lead rope came off, he walked slowly towards the far end of the area and stood, head down, looking miserable at best and not even a little bit interested in his new surroundings.

Travis came out of the ring immediately, giving the horse his space, and walked straight to the trailer, pulling the ramp up and closing it so that the guy who’d transported the horse could leave. At the sound of the truck faded into the distance, he returned to the gate, looking first at his new horse and then to Kc and Dark. Well, that’s him… at least he doesn’t -look- bad and at least he isn’t vicious or anything… just… depressed and uninterested. He said after thinking for a few minutes. Any ideas for a new barn name? I’ve never liked keeping a rescue horses old name… you never know what they associate their name with… sometimes it’s best to start over brand new.

[!<~MIDDKINS~>!]

The name shot.. well it sort of sounded like.. well when you took shots at a barn. Sure, one of Dun It Like Rum's nick name's were, Rum, and Rummy.. but it still felt wierd. Kc normally didn't call the mare any nick names when people were around.. it was easier not to have to explain how the mare got her nick-name.. and registered name. Actually she came with the registered name, but Kc hadn't really believed the mare was called Rummy, until she started to drink rum. Now that had really shocked her. Okay. Kc replied back as Travis nodded his head and said he was bringing the grey stallion out of the trailer. Kc moved Dark Intentions out of the way, just in case.

Pricking his ears up, Darkster moved quietly next to his owner, and out of the way. He swished his tail slightly, nostrils flaring as he picked up the scent of the equine coming off the ramp of the trailer. It was defintaly the smell of a stallion Dark decided, but he really didn't care. Yawning, he lowered his head, then shoved it under Kc's arm, ears pricked up as he watched. Chuckling quietly, Kc let her arm hang over the top of Dark's neck, allowing him to relax as he pleased.

The sight of how.. drepssed the stallion was made Kc sad. She couldn't believe that some one would abuse a horse so much.. that they would be depressed. It just wasn't right.. to even think about abusing a horse in generall. Dark had been the same way, though Kc believed in punishing a horse, not to where they got all mean.. and didn't look like they had any thing else to live for. The mustang cross's mane and tail was all tangled, while Dark's was long, and silky enough that you could comb right through it with your fingers. The coat was different as well. Shot's was all dusty looking.. and Dark's was shiny. Quite apparent with the two equines, how different they had been treated in the past.

Kc shook her head softly as the stallion went to the back of the arena, and stood with his head down. Sighign softly, Kc patted Dark's neck, looking down at the paint, who was starting to doze off, his blue eyes partially closed. When Travis aprouched them, Dark merley pricked his ears up, before going back to half-sleeping. Ya. I would rather have a horse that is.. shyer then one that is mean. I still can't believe Dark was mean when I got him. Kc said with a soft sigh, Dark flicked his ears slightly, hearing his name. Nope.. I find it easier to give them new barn name's once you get to know them.. or I just usually base it off their registered name.

[.~.T.e.a.k.~.]

It is hard to believe that he was mean, but I’ll take your word for it. Travis eyed the Paint stallion, smiling slightly at the way Dark was dozing off. I’ll admit, I’m a bit surprised by how… out of it the grey seems. He really just doesn’t want nothing to do with the surroundings or even us. Hopefully that’ll change soon. He didn’t voice the thought, though. Travis also wasn’t using the barn name that the horse came with, he was odd like that, and was adamant in his view that the grey needed a new barn name… he wasn’t even going to call the horse by his given barn name until he’d come up with another. For now, he’d call the Mustang/x/Australian Stockhorse ‘the grey horse’, and he’d already started in his mind.

His registered name is ‘Shots in the Dark’. Somehow I don’t think we’ll come up with a good barn name outta that. Travis glanced back at the grey again, I’ll give him a day or two to adjust, then I’ll bring him in and see if I can’t work something out with him… poor boy, first thing I’m going to do is give him a good check-over… check and possibly float his teeth… everything, then a bath and brushing… possibly some trimming. He needs his hooves done, but it’s not too bad… I think he can make it two more weeks until Charlie’s next trimming, that way I can get them both at one time.

In the ring, the grey stallion watched the two humans and other horse warily and tiredly, as though he had accepted his fate to be passed around. The sixteen hand stallion sighed and walked around in a small circle, staring into the distance away from the barn, turning his hindquarters towards his new owner and the other duo, ignoring their presence.

Hopefully he’ll be pretty easy to catch… if not, well, it won’t bother me, but it’ll make things a lot easier if he’s ok with being handled. Travis commented, placing a hand on the panels and keeping his eyes on the grey.

[!<~MIDDKINS~>!]

Kc nodded her head, Dark defintally didn't seem like he would be a mean horse at any means.. and normally he wasnt. Unless you tried to hurt Kc.. then he could get very mean. No kidding. He seems like.. his whole air currculation has been cut off or something.. Kc said, lifting his head, Dark looked to one of the pasture's, where Rummy had finally noticed that Dark was the one out, and she was not. Squealing in frustration, Rummy banged a front hoof loudly against the gate, and tossed her head up and down. Kc sighed as she turned her head to where the mare was, but decided to ignore her for now.

Shaking her head softly, Kc knew they probably wouldn't get a good barn name out of 'Shots in the Dark'. Dark might have worked, but it was already taken by one horse here, if not more. Though Kc hadn't heard of any other horses that were nick named Dark around the barn. Tossing his head softly, Kc thought of one name, that might be okay for the mustang cross. Sky Boy might work.. if he still continues to stay shy. Kc said and shrugged her shoulders softly. It was just a suggestion. Nodding her head, Kc listened to Travis speak. It defintaly seemed like he knew something about horses, if not a lot.

Hopefully, you can work something out with him. I couldn't even get near Dark when we first got him.. without having to duck under the fence again. Bowling apple's across the pasture for a month was not fun. Dark had been a toughie to crack, but once he had been cracked, it had been no problem.. well sort of.K He wouldn't leave her alone. Dark watched the equine in the smaller pen, quietly, but mainly minded his own business, and stayed close to Kc. Seems like he will be pretty easy to catch, he's not all that hyped up, or seems like it any way.

[.~.T.e.a.k.~.]

Travis shrugged, his thoughts once more on the grey stallion in the corner. Maybe… I guess I’ll know for sure just what’s inside of him after he gets some proper feed and care behind him. For all I know, he could just be acting partly like this because he lacks energy to really do a whole lot… or doesn’t feel like doing much. He raked his hair back off his face again, not because it was in his face, but from habit. Now that the horse was here, he felt relieved, nervous, and somewhat scared of what he was going to find out in the near future of the animal’s temperament… he wasn’t worried about the horse becoming aggressive or assertive, no, he was far more worried about the horse withdrawing even further back into himself that he already was.

His attention was moved from the grey to the mare banging on the gate in the pasture. He grinned and pointed towards the mare after noticing that Kc’s attention was also on the horse. Do you own that horse too? He questioned, watching the mare pitch a fit over not being let out.

[!<~MIDDKINS~>!]

Kc nodded her head. Her parents had been afraid that Dark would get meaner then he already was when they unloaded him from the trailer. We had a couple of horses that were like him.. until they got some decent feed into them. Yikes. They were horrible.. at least for my little sister. Where fine with me riding them. Kc said with a soft chuckle. That had been funny when her sister's got bucked off a few horses that they had taken in from a few auctions.. and they had been really hot horses once they had some good feed in them.

Rummy, of course, kept have a fit by the fence gate. She squealed in frustration at the gate not opening, the gates back in Minnesota would have opened easily for the mare to get out, and go give Kc a piece of her mind for not letting her out. Yes. Dun It Like Rum. She kind of has a fit when she doesn't get her way. Kc said and rolled her eyes softly. That's nothing, compaired to what she does under saddle.. bucking like a bronc each time. Kinda annoying after a while. Do you have any other horses besides the grey? Dark snorted and swished his tail in irrationed as Rum banged against the fence agian. Swinging his head around towards the direction of the pasture, the paint stallion shot her a dark look, while pinning his ears at the same time.

[.~.T.e.a.k.~.]

He nodded, understanding what she meant. Yeah, back when I was a kid my dad rescued a few horses whose attitude had complete turn-a-rounds from easy going and docile to monsters after they got some good feed into them. Both horses I ‘rescued’ before this one were good horses and never tried to throw a kick or anything. One of them taught my son how to ride. He smiled, a distant look in his eyes told that he was relieving the experience… the look disappeared after a moment, though, and he was left looking tired and slumped slightly. You know why she bucks? He nodded to the mare, Pain, teeth? Or is she just ‘feeling her oats’ and being bad? The vet technician questioned, watching the mare bang against the gate.

His eyes traced the mare’s movements as he listened to the final question. After a moments hesitation, he nodded. Yeah, I’ve got Charlie. He’s a little grey Welsh Pony gelding. I bought him for my son, but he’s here with me now. Joseph couldn’t ever say’ Charlie’ correctly, he’s too young, and always called him ‘Chawwie’. Travis laughed a little.

[!<~MIDDKINS~>!]

Kc nodded her head, a smile on her lips, glad that he knew how she felt. Yep. And you can get a few good one's as well. Dark was one of the good one's we managed to rescue.. though some how he still doesn't like my little sisters. Kc shook her head softly. Dark defintaly was more of a one person horse, he loved to be close to people, but Kc in particular. He could stand other humans, but he liked the girl who had took the time to work with him the best. Kc shrugged her shoulder. I've had every thing checked on her that I can think that would make her buck. Teeth, back, withers, she's completely sound going both ways, each gait. Even got her her own saddle, fitted and everything.. Kc sighed softly. And yet she still bucks. She just likes to feel her oats every day.

Having enough of the mare annoying him, Dark pulled at the lead rope and trotted his way towards Rummy. The mare swished her tail, daring him to come closer. Nearing the fence, Dark nipped at her though the fence. Squealing, Rum took off bucking and kicking across the pasture, her movements grace full, but full of mischief. Shaking his head, Dark came back over by Kc, who had been listening to Travis. Cool. I grew up learning on first a shetland, then a welsh. Kc chuckled softly. How old is you're son?

[.~.T.e.a.k.~.]

Is she of bucking stock or something? It was a stupid question, because he highly doubted that the mare was bred to buck, but he had to ask. There was absolutely no reason for the horse to buck if she wasn’t either bred for it or in pain. His view was that of a horse having to earn their keep. Stupid question, I know…

He was surprised when the stallion disciplined the mare for her actions. When he was a kid, stallions were usually rowdy and eager to do their own thing. It still was surprising to see one so calm around mares, but he was getting over it more and more as the years went by. He’d realized now that his parents old studs weren’t the best behaved in the lot, and honestly, it was amazing that he hadn’t been killed the many times he’d messed with them as a child who knew no better. I learned how to ride on a chestnut Quarterhorse mare named Chili when I was four, then I got Romeo and rode him until I was ten. He was a black Quarterhorse. Aaron was my first actual horse, he was a bay Quarab. My mums Quarterhorse, a little red roan mare named Sugar taught me how to hang on. After that, my personal riding horse became a flashy red roan Appendix Quarterhorse we called ‘Accidents Happen’ that was out of Sugar by a Thoroughbred stallion that belonged to one of our neighbors. Next was Country, the first horse I rescued and the one that taught my son to ride… he was a chestnut Quarter Pony. Lots o’Pep, or Pep, as we called her, was a little sorrel Quarterhorse mare I bought for my wife, but she wasn’t interested in riding so she became my horse… and last there was the Paint mare, Rainmaker. I got her because she was too old to ride and her owners were going to shoot her. She didn’t live too too long, but she had a relaxed retirement while it lasted. Charlie, like I said before, was bought for my son, but since my wife and I got divorced and she got custody of our son, I took Charlie… couldn’t sell him if I tried, y’know… and now there’s the grey… He was quiet, then remembered her previous question. He grinned, embarrassed at forgetting, and added, My son’s four.

The grey stallion snorted and raised his head some to watch the mare run bucking and kicking across the pasture. For a moment, his ears flicked up, then went back to their ‘at rest’ position and he lost interest.